How to Drain Inground Pool with Garden Hose: Simple Steps!

Is your inground pool looking a bit worse for wear? Perhaps it’s time for a much-needed cleaning, a repair, or maybe you’re even contemplating closing it for the season. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering about the most straightforward way to get all that water out.

You’ve probably seen those expensive submersible pumps, but what if you’re on a tight budget or just need a quick solution for a partial drain? The good news is, you can absolutely tackle this task using something you likely already have in your garage: a garden hose. It’s a surprisingly effective method, requiring a bit of patience but minimal investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to drain your inground pool using a simple garden hose, breaking down the process into easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the physics behind it to potential pitfalls to avoid. Let’s get that water out!

Draining Your Inground Pool with a Garden Hose: The Siphon Method Explained

When it comes to draining an inground pool, the most common and budget-friendly method using a garden hose relies on a simple scientific principle: siphoning. A siphon works by using gravity and atmospheric pressure to move liquid from a higher elevation to a lower one, even uphill for a short distance. For your pool, this means we’ll be using your hose to create a continuous flow of water out of the pool and into a lower-lying area.

While this method isn’t the fastest way to drain a large pool, it’s incredibly accessible and requires no electricity. It’s perfect for situations where you only need to lower the water level a few feet for cleaning, minor repairs, or even just to reduce the water volume before a storm. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how to set it up.

What You’ll Need:

• A long garden hose: The longer, the better, as it needs to reach from your pool down to the drainage point. Ensure it’s free of kinks or holes.
• A bucket or container: To help start the siphon.
• A drainage area: This needs to be at a lower elevation than your pool’s water level. Think about where you’ll direct the water – a storm drain, a lower part of your yard, or a street gutter are common choices. Be mindful of local regulations regarding pool water disposal.
• Optional: A valve or clamp: To stop the flow if needed, though not strictly necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Pool with a Garden Hose:

1. Prepare Your Drainage Area:

   Before you even think about filling your hose, identify where the water will go. It *must* be lower than the water level you intend to drain. Check local ordinances; some areas have restrictions on where you can discharge pool water, especially if it contains chemicals. Directing it to a storm drain or a well-draining area of your property is usually best. Avoid discharging onto your neighbor’s property or into areas where it could cause flooding or erosion.

2. Position the Hose:

   Lay out your garden hose, ensuring it’s as straight as possible and reaches from the pool’s edge down to your chosen drainage point. Make sure there are no kinks that could obstruct water flow. One end of the hose will eventually be submerged in the pool water, and the other will be at the drainage location. (See Also: hose clamp pliers how to use)

3. Fill the Hose with Water:

   This is the crucial step to initiate the siphon. There are a couple of ways to do this:

   • The Bucket Method (Recommended for beginners): Submerge one end of the hose completely in the pool water. Take the other end of the hose and place it in a bucket. Fill the bucket with pool water and then quickly submerge the end of the hose that’s in the bucket back into the pool. The goal is to fill the entire hose with water and remove as much air as possible. You’ll see water flowing into the bucket and then back into the pool. Once the hose is full of water and free of air bubbles, quickly move the bucket away and position the free end of the hose at your drainage point. The continuous column of water will now be pulled by gravity.
   • The Submersion Method (Requires more care): If your hose is long enough and you can safely maneuver it, you can try to fully submerge the entire length of the hose in the pool water. Ensure no air pockets remain. Once the hose is completely full of water, carefully pull one end out of the pool and quickly place it at your drainage point, ensuring the end remains below the water level in the pool. This method is trickier as any air trapped can break the siphon.

4. Start the Siphon:

   Once the hose is filled with water and one end is submerged in the pool, and the other is at the lower drainage point, the siphon should start. You’ll see a steady stream of water flowing out of the hose. If it doesn’t start, you likely have air trapped in the hose. Try to remove the air by re-filling the hose as described in step 3.

5. Monitor the Flow:

   Keep an eye on the water flow. Ensure the end of the hose in the pool remains submerged. If it comes close to the surface, you might suck air into the hose, breaking the siphon. You may need to adjust the position of the hose in the pool as the water level drops. Also, check your drainage area to ensure it’s not getting overwhelmed and that the water is flowing away as intended.

6. Stopping the Siphon:

   To stop the siphon, you simply need to break the continuous column of water. You can do this by lifting the end of the hose that’s draining out of the water source (the pool) or by introducing air into the hose. If you have a valve, you can simply close it. Otherwise, carefully lift the hose end out of the pool.

Considerations and Potential Issues:

While the garden hose method is simple, it’s not without its challenges and requires careful consideration. Understanding these points will help you have a smoother draining experience.

How Long Will It Take?

This is the most frequent question, and the answer is: it depends. The rate of draining is influenced by several factors: (See Also: how often to clean cpap hose)

• Hose Diameter: A wider hose will allow for a greater volume of water to flow per minute.
• Hose Length and Kinks: A longer hose creates more resistance, and any kinks will significantly slow down or stop the flow.
• Height Difference (Head Pressure): The greater the vertical distance between the pool’s water level and the drainage point, the stronger the siphon will be, and the faster the water will drain.
• Air Leaks: Any air introduced into the hose will break the siphon and stop the flow.

For a typical 1.5-inch diameter garden hose, you might be looking at draining anywhere from 50 to 150 gallons per hour, depending heavily on the head pressure. This means draining a substantial portion of an average-sized inground pool (which can hold 10,000 to 20,000 gallons or more) could take days. If you need to drain the pool quickly, this method is likely not suitable.

Environmental and Legal Considerations:

It’s crucial to be responsible when draining your pool. Pool water can contain chemicals like chlorine, algaecides, and pH adjusters. Discharging large quantities of this water directly into storm drains or natural waterways can be harmful to the environment. Always check with your local municipality or water authority for regulations regarding pool water discharge. Some areas may require you to:

• Neutralize chemicals: Allow chlorine to dissipate (by letting the water sit for a few days) or use a de-chlorinating agent before discharge.
• Obtain a permit: For larger draining operations.
• Direct water to specific locations: Such as a sanitary sewer (if permitted) or a designated area on your property.

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines.

When Is the Garden Hose Method Appropriate?

The garden hose siphon method is best suited for:

• Partial Draining: Lowering the water level by a foot or two for cleaning, minor repairs (like fixing a skimmer or light), or to prevent overflow during heavy rain.
• Emergency Situations: When you need to reduce water levels quickly due to an unexpected event, and a pump isn’t readily available.
• Budget-Conscious Owners: For those who want to avoid the cost of renting or buying a submersible pump.
• Small Pools or Spas: Smaller bodies of water will drain much faster and more manageably with this method.

Alternatives to the Garden Hose Method:

If you find the garden hose method too slow or impractical for your needs, consider these alternatives:

Understanding these options will help you choose the most effective draining strategy for your specific situation. For many routine tasks, however, the humble garden hose remains a surprisingly viable tool. (See Also: how to siphon with a hose)

Troubleshooting Common Siphon Problems:

If your siphon isn’t working, don’t despair! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• No Water Flow: The most common culprit is air trapped in the hose. Completely refill the hose with water, ensuring no air bubbles remain. Double-check that both ends are submerged appropriately.
• Intermittent Flow: This usually means the hose is occasionally sucking in air. Ensure the end in the pool is well below the water surface and that the hose isn’t being pulled out of the water as the level drops.
• Slow Flow: Check for kinks in the hose. Even a slight bend can impede flow. Also, ensure your drainage point is significantly lower than the pool water level.
• Siphon Breaks Repeatedly: This can happen if the head pressure isn’t sufficient or if there’s a small leak or imperfection in the hose that allows air in. Try a shorter hose if possible, or ensure the height difference is maximized.

Patience is key with the siphon method. It’s a gradual process, and troubleshooting might involve a few attempts to get it running smoothly.

Safety First!

Always prioritize safety when working with water and around your pool. Ensure you have stable footing, especially if you’re leaning over the pool edge. Be aware of electrical hazards if you’re using any electrical pumps as an alternative. If you’re draining a significant amount of water, be mindful of the structural integrity of the pool and surrounding area. Never attempt to drain a pool completely unless it’s part of a professional maintenance or repair process, as the empty pool shell can be damaged by ground pressure.

Conclusion

Draining your inground pool with a garden hose is an accessible and cost-effective solution for partial draining or minor water level adjustments. By understanding and properly utilizing the siphon method, you can efficiently move water without the need for expensive equipment. Remember to always check local regulations for water discharge and prioritize safety throughout the process.

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